•LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards.
The size designation for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric tires
except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding
the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
•Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emergency use only.
Temporary high pressure compact spare tires have the letter “T” or “S”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M.
•High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and it
begins with the tire diameter molded into the sidewall. Example:
31x10.5 R15 LT.
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C,
T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
....blank....= Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or
TorS= Temporary spare tire or
31= Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145= Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80= Aspect ratio in percent (%)
– Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5= Section width in inches (in)
R= Construction code
–"R"means radial construction, or
–"D"means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18= Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95= Load Index
– A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H= Speed Symbol
– A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load
corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
– The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be
achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle
loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)TIRES
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Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver ’s
side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver’s side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire (if
equipped), at least monthly and inflate to the recommended pressure for
your vehicle.
Example Tire Placard Location (Door)
Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)
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Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying
capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire’s load
carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold
tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information
placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating” section of
your Owner ’s Manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle weight
ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer
to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating” section of your
Owner ’s Manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
Tire And Loading Information Placard
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Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including, but
not limited to:
•Driving style.
•Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause uneven
wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear
patterns will reduce tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire
replacement.
•Distance driven.
•Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and
Summer tires typically have a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless
of the remaining tread. Failure to follow this warning can result in
sudden tire failure. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light
as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics.
They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The manufacturer strongly recommends that you use
tires equivalent to the originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica-
tors” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard or
the Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation of your tire. The
Load Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the original
equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety Information”
section of this manual for more information relating to the Load Index
and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If you
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authorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid and traction
capability on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded
tires. Some states prohibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead of a spare tire,
please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of Emergency” in your
Owner ’s Manual for further information.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take your vehicle
through an automatic car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and wheel equivalent in
look and function to the original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the tire
rotation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use only. You can identify
if your vehicle is equipped with a compact spare by looking at the spare
tire description on the Tire and Loading Information Placard located on
the driver ’s side door opening or on the sidewall of the tire. Compact
spare tire descriptions begin with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conventional tire on
the compact spare wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically for the
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compact spare tire. Do not install more than one compact spare tire and
wheel on the vehicle at any given time.
WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for temporary emergency use
only. With these spares, do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h).
Temporary use spares have limited tread life. When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the temporary use spare tire needs
to be replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary emergency use only. You can
identify if your vehicle is equipped with a collapsible spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and Loading Information Placard
located on the driver ’s side door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Collapsible spare tire description example: 165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is properly installed to the
vehicle. Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric air pump before
lowering the vehicle.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conventional tire on
the collapsible spare wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically for
the collapsible spare tire.
WARNING!
Compact and Collapsible spares are for temporary emergency use
only. With these spares, do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h).
Temporary use spares have limited tread life. When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the temporary use spare tire needs
to be replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
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Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency use only. This tire may
look like the originally equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have limited tread life. When the
tread is worn to the tread wear indicators, the temporary use full size
spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not the same as your original
equipment tire, replace (or repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first opportunity.
Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use only. This tire
is identified by a label located on the limited use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this spare. This tire may look like the
original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is
not. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle handling.
Since it is not the same as your original equipment tire, replace (or repair)
the original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle at the first
opportunity.
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use only. Installation of this
limited use spare tire affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not
drive more than the speed listed on the limited use spare wheel.
Keep inflated to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on your Tire
and Loading Information Placard located on the driver ’s side B-Pillar
or the rear edge of the driver ’s side door. Replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire at the first opportunity and reinstall it on
your vehicle. Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.
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WARNING!
Death, serious injury and/or property damage may result from tire
failure due to tire damage and/or improper tire maintenance.
•All tires (including spare) should be inspected regularly by a
qualified technician for signs of wear, and signs of damage, such as
puncture, impact, improper maintenance, under-inflation or over-
inflation and overloading.
•Only qualified persons should repair tires. See Rubber Manufac-
turer ’s Association (RMA) established repair procedures at
www.rma.org for information on proper repair procedures.
•Only specially trained persons should mount tires.
Check Your Tires For Damage
Frequent (at least monthly) inspection of your tires for signs of damage,
uneven tread wear and their general condition is important for safety.
Impacts, penetrations, cracks, knots, bulges or air loss always require tire
removal and expert inspection.
NOTE:All tire warranties are made by the tire manufacturer. Tires are
not covered under your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
TIRE WARRANTY
26